Twin length selector control for tape dispenser



July`2, 1957 H. W. HEMPEL TWIN LENGTH SELECTOR CONTROL FOR TAPE DISPENSER Filed March 25, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet l July 2, 1957 H. w. HEMPEI. 2,797,919

TWIN LENGTH SELECTOR CONTROL FOR TARE DISPENSER Filed March 25, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 24 ///fA/rop: HERBERT w. HEM/JE Ll `Iuly 2, 1957 H. W. HEMPEL TWIN LENGTH SELECTOR CONTROL FOR TAPE DISPENSER 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 25, 1955 /70 30 /17' .a 96 /0- 246477 ,5g 256254 50 /94 ,0203 f ,25a

zaf f w; 24. 56 448 /24 5 (7&4 /7 g 224 We 94 Z LONG LEA/6TH BUTTON HND RECEPT/)CLE USH TANK HEH TER HERBERT W. HEMPEL,

TWIN LENGTH SELECTOR CNTROL FR TAPE DISPENSER Herbert W. Hempel, Belleville, Ill., assignor to Marsh Stencil Machine Company, Belleviile, lil., a corporation of Illinois Application March 2S, 1955, Serial No. 496,689

' 14 Claims. (Cl. 271-24) The present invention relates generally to machines for dispensing gummed tape used for packaging purposes, and more particularly to a novel control system providing twin selection of tape lengths in an electrically actuated and controlled tape measuring and dispensing machine.

The widespread use of gummed tape in packing and shipping rooms has already led to the development of tape dispensing machines adapted to deliver various selected lengths f moistened tape upon the execution of an appropriate manual maneuver on the part of the operator. However, notwithstanding the obvious increase in efficiency afforded by this general ability to procure different lengths of tape at will, the care which the operator must exercise in operating conventional machines so as to obtain the particular lengths of tape desired has prevented realization of even greater efficiency in the packaging art. In other words, peak efficiency is now limited by the fact that the operator must repeatedly divert his attention from closing the package and actually applying tape in order to assure delivery of the proper length of tape next to be applied.

In many instances, of course, tape segments of equal length may be used without the necessity for procuring other lengths. In such instances, attempts have been made to solve the condition noted above, at least in part, by providing a repeating action of the dispenser under control of a special actuating button or the like. By and large, however, the great majority of packing and sealing operations involve the application of two different lengths of tape, which clearly eliminates simple repetition as a solution of the problem at hand. The present invention, therefore, contemplates a control which enables preselection of two different lengths and subsequent repeated selection between the two preselected lengths.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel selector mechanism for a tape dispenser whereby the latter may be operated to deliver, at will, either of two preselected lengths of tape.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel selector mechanism for tape dispensers which incorporates means for preselecting two different lengths of tape along with individual, easily differentiated actuating means for effecting delivery of either preselected length of tape at will.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel control system for tape dispensers which is effective to measure the tape during the feeding thereof and to terminate the feeding of tape upon the delivery of a selected one of two preselected lengths thereof.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel twin selector for tape dispensers which enables two different lengths of tape to be preselected and either of the preselected lengths to be subsequently selected at will through separate, easily differentiated manual maneuvers.

The foregoing, along with additional objects and advantages, are apparent from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

2,797,919 Patented July 2, 1957 Nic Figure 1 is a top plan view of a twin selector mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a right side elevational view thereof;

Figure 3 is a left side elevational view thereof;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Figure 5 is a front elevational view thereof, partly in section, taken substantially on the lines 5--5 of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view generally similar to Figure 1, but with certain parts removed for the purpose of revealing additional structural features of the invention;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken generally along the line 7 7 of Figure l;

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken generally along the line 8-8 of Figure l;

Figure 9 is a rear elevational view of the mechanism, partly in section, taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 2;

Figure l0 is a fragmentary sectional plan taken generally along the line 10-10 of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a further enlarged sectional elevation taken generally along the line 11-11 of Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a sectional bottom plan View taken generally along the line 12-12 of Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a sectional top plan view taken generally along the line 13 13 of Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along the line 14-14 of Figure 10;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary vertical section taken generally along the line 15-15 of Figure 10;

Figures 16, 17 and 18 are further enlarged fragmentary vertical sections illustrating different operative relationships between an actuator arm assembly and a selector cam assembly; and

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of an electrical control circuit.

Referring now to the drawings more particularly by means of reference characters, the numeral 30 indicates generally a twin selector mechanism incorporating the concepts of the present invention. As clearly shown in the drawings, and particularly in Figures 7 and 8, the mechanism 30 includes a main bracket member 32 and a main frame member 34. These parts are firmly secured together by means of screws 36, the latter serving also to secure a base plate 38 flush against an upper surface of the frame member 34. The member 34 is generally square in plan form and is provided with upstanding sides 40 and 42 along opposite edges of a main horizontal panel 44. The remaining two edges of the panel 44 have downwardly slanted tabs or flanges 46 and 48. A cover plate 50 formed to the shape clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is adapted for attachment to the flanges 46 and 48 by means of screws 52. Except for a relatively large circular opening 54 formed in the cover plate Sti as illustrated in Figure 6, the cover plate 50 and the main frame member 34 cooperate to form a box-like enclosure mounted on top of the main bracket member 32.

The member 32 is preferably of cast or forged construction and may be made from aluminum, or similar light metal. A preferred shape of the bracket member 32 is apparent from the several figures of the drawings, and the utility of this shape will become clear from the description which follows.

The member 32 is provided with a vertical bore 56 which communicates at its upper end with an opening 58 in the panel 44 of the frame member 34. Preferably, the bore 56 is provided with a sleeve flange 62 at its lower end. A hollow shaft 64 having a driven clutch member 66 secured at its lower end, as by bearing 60 having a` press fitting, is rotatably'disposed in the sleeve 60 and extends upwardly through the opening 58 in the panel v44 and through a similar opening 68 in the base plate 38 to receive a selector cam assembly 70. Setscrews 72 secure the assembly 70 to the hollow shafty 64 forurotation therewith.

The hollow shaft 64 has its lower halffformed to an inside diameter which is less than that of itsv upperlhalf. This lower `half of the shaft 64 rotatably receives the upper end of a smallerhollow yshaft 74` -whiclrhas a Wormwheel 76 secured, as by pressing, to its klower end. The'upper side of the worin wheel 76 ispr'ovided with an axially extending boss 78 adapted for abutmentrwith the'lower end of the shaft. 64.v The-shaft 74 is threaded at its -upper end so as to receive -a screw 80, the head of which abuts an xannular shoulder 82'formed atthe'junction of the previously mentioned different insidediameters of the shaftv 64. "Preferablyi /thelength'oflthe Shaft 74 is such that with'the Yscrew-80`pulled 'agair1st its'upper end it is freelyrotatable inthe shaft 64.

A driving clutch `member `84 'has acenter opening 86 which allows -it to be loosely'tted over'the boss`"'7 8'of the Aworm wheel 76. This member84 is also provided with three pins 88 secured therein, asv by. threaded, engagement or pressing,and'depending therefrom to-pass loosely through appropriately spaced openings 90 in the web of the -worm wheel 76. As best shown in 'Figures 7 and 8,then, the-driving clutchmember 84 must,.per force, rotate with the wormwheelV 76 and, at the same time, is vertically movable for rselectiveengagementwith the driven clutch member 66. Each of the members'66 and 84 isprovided with an Vouter rim face 92 which is serrated for clutching engagement.v Figures l2 and' 13 illustrate the respectivemating faces of these clutch members 66 and 84. A

As bestshown in'Figures 3 and 4, the worm wheel 76, along with `the clutch members 66 and 84, is accommodated in'acorner cavity defined by a lower mounting portion 94 and a clevis portion .95, each of these portions being integral parts of the bracket memberl132f.. The mounting portion 94 is provided with a horizontal bore 96 for receiving a pivot shaft 97k indicated by broken lines in Figure 4. A setscrew 98 is provided for securing the mechanism 30 in proper position on the shaft 97 A channel-like'bracket' 99 is secured by screws 100 to the lowersurface of the mounting portion 94 so as to extend generally toward the axis of the shaft64. A leaf member '102, shaped as `clearly shown in Figures 4and 7, includes Ya tab 104 inserted through, an aperture 106 in the web of the bracket99'.' The other end of the member 102 has an aperture'108 Ywhich loosely receives a screw 110 provided with a nut 112, for retainingtheV member 102 thereon.

As is clear from-the drawings, the leaf l,member,=1,02. extendsbeneath the worm wheel '76 and the downwardly' extending pins-88 which extend below the worm wheel 76. A disc-like pressure plate 114 mounted loosely on a headed pin.116 is interposed between the leaf.mem berl 102 and the aforementioned pins 88, the pi-n 116-, being slidably inserted into the lower end of the` hollow shaft 74. Clearly, with Athis arrangement an upward movement of the screw 110 through the leaf member-102, the pin 116, the pressure plate 114 and the several pins 88 so as to move the.; clutch member 84 into driving engagement `with the clutch member 66.

The above mentioned screw 110 is. secured in a clip l118 fastened by means of a rivet 120 tothe end .of an armature 122 of a solenoid 124. The solenoid 124 is mounted on'amounting plate 1126 secured to a side surface ofthe bracket member 32 by means of screws 128. Preferably, the clip 118 is provided with a. tab 130 which extends above a worm'132 as illustrated in Figure 7. By means of this arrangementhe leaf member 102 is prevented, in.

will be communicated' the absence of energization of the solenoid 124, from disengage the clutch members 66 and 84.

The worm 132, above mentioned, is disposed in driving engagement with the worm wheel 76 and is mounted for rotation with a shaft 134 supported in the clevis portion 95 of the bracket member 32. The portion 95 includes parallel arms 136 and 138 each of which is provided with a sleeve bearing for the shaft 134. A measuring wheel 140 having a serrated peripheral face 142 is secured to the shaft 134 between the clevis arms 136 and 138. A setscrew 144 secures the measuring wheel 140 to the shaft 134. It will be seen that rotation of the r having a flat circular oor 168.

measuring wheel 140,v accompanied by energization of the solenoid 124, will be effective to rotate the shaft 64 and, hence, the selector cam assembly 70 secured to its upper end.

The selector cam assembly 70, best shown in Figures 8 and 10, comprises anelongated base plate 146 firmly secured, as by welding, pressing, or the like, to a mounting sleeve 148. Preferably, the ,ends of the base' plate 146 are rounded off to a constant radius as is'evident in Figure .10. The plate 146 is provided with a slot 150 near each of its ends, the. slots 150 being in alignment with each other. A cam plate152 havingone end provided with a rounded point 154 is disposed ,flush against a top surface of the base plate 146 `and has pins 156 and 158 secured therein so as to depend downwardly through the slots 150. .Fach of the pins 156 land 158 is provided with a washer 160, and each` also has a headed portion which retains the washers 160 las shown particularly in Figure '14. It will be noted, however, that the headed portion of the pin 156 located adjacent vthe pointed end of thecam plate 152 is deeper lthan the head of the pin 158; This is particularly evident in theillustration of Figure 5. Preferably, V,the arrangement is such that the cam plate v152 is freely slidable within the obvious vlimits provided by its attachmentvto the base Plate 146.

The Yupper face Vof y,the camplate 152 has,a,double depression formed therein as-.best shown in Figure 18. This double depression comprises ya shallow depression 162 having an annular floor 164 and a deepdepression 166 ,The depressions 162 and 166 are concentric as illustrated in the drawings. The double depression formed as ,above described is located so as to be on the extended `axis of-the hollow shaft 64 When the l.camplate 152 .isv moved'as far as it Will go inthe direction ofthe pointed end 154 thereof.

A selector assembly, designated generally by the numeral ,170 isalsodisposed/Q 011 the `extended axis of the hollow shaft 64. Theassembly 170 is mounted on a ClampY plate 172 supported-upontwin posts 174 secured f byscrews.175 which passrsupwardly through a switch bracket 176,-the panel 44, and .thebase plate 38 to engage the lower ends of the posts 174. The clamp plate 172 is secured at one endby screws y177 .engaging the posts 174 and extends ,in cantilever-fashion -so as to dispose an upstanding stud.178 concentricwiththe extended axis of the .shaft 64. The stud 178 is securelyk mounted tothe c1amp.plate,172 and has itsupper end .threaded as clearly shown in Figures 7 and 8. The plate 172 is alsoprovided with an upstanding stud 180 extendingto a llesser height thanthe stud 178andb eing intern-ally threaded at its upper end. A flat plate-like .spacer 182 shaped as best shown in Figure ,6, and'having two holes for, enabling it to be disposed overftheistuds-178 and 180 -is.laid ush upon thejtopsurface of-the clamp;platef.172.so as to Support a vshort lengthselector arm 184 pivotably mounte d upon the` stud 178. Asecond plate-like .spacer 182 is..then disposed overthe studs.178yand .180 and this is followed by .a longlength .selector ,arm 186 which is also pivotably. mounted uponathe, stud `1.78. An index plate 188, circular in' form as illustrated in Figure 1, is then placed .over-` the` stud ,17 8;..and yrotatedruntil i a perforated downwardly embossed porton 190 is aligned with the stud 180, whereupon the index plate 188 is secured rmly in place by a screw 192. Finally, a resilient clamp knob washer 194 and a clamp knob 196 are disposed over the stud 178, the latter being screwed thereon so as to provide a desired degree of clamping against inadvertent pivoting of the selector arms 184 and 186.

The selector arms 184 and 186 are preferably formed from sheet metal to the general shape illustrated in Figure 6. Each has a depending pintle 198 axed thereto as best illustrated in Figure 7, and each pintle 1538 a lower portion 199 of reduced diameter for rotatably receiving an annular roller 200 retained by a washer 201 secured by peening the portion 199 at its lower end. It will be noted that the rollers 200 are disposed at an elevation which enables them to be engaged by the pointed end 154 of the cam plate 152. It should also be noted that the pintle 198 and roller 200 of the long length selector arm 186 are disposed closer to the axis of the stud 178 than are the corresponding parts of the short length selector arm 184.

Preferably, the free ends of the arms 184 and 186 are given a return bend as indicated at 202 in Figure 7, and these returned portions are color coded as illustrated in Figures 1 and 6. It is obvious that this arrangement of the selector assembly 170 enables the arms 184 and 186 to be individually positioned relative to the index plate 188 and retained in adjusted position by tightening the knob 196.

Directing particular attention now to Figures 8 and l0, an actuating arm assembly 204 comprises a T-shaped arm 206 having a stem portion 207 oiset as illustrated in Figure 8, and having a pivot pin 208 secured transversely thereto. The pivot pin 208 extends through appropriate pivot holes in the posts 174 so that the arm 206 may rock freely while thus supported. The stem portion 207 of the arm 206 extends into the space between the selector cam assembly 70 and the clamp plate 172 of the selector assembly 170. A pin 210 having a conical point 212 is affixed adjacent the free end of the stem portion 207 so as to be substantially on the axis of the hollow shaft 64 aforementioned. As best illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the conical point 212 of the pin 210 is of such size that it may rest upon either the tloor 168 of the deep depression 166 or upon the lloor 164 of the shallow depression 162.

A crossbar portion 213 of the T-.shaped arm 206 is provided with holes at each end to receive adjustable limit screws 214 and 216. As clearly shown in Figure 15, these screws pass through holes provided in the portion 213 and threadedly engage a strip 218 which underlays the latter. Lock nuts 220 are provided for maintaining the screws 214 and 216 in adjusted position. Holes 221 are provided in the cover plate 50 for making minor adjustments to the screws 214 and 216.

A pair of single pole, single throw, normally closed limit switches, designated 222 and 224, respectively, are supported by means of the aforementioned angular bracket 176 secured to the underneath panel 44 of the frame member 34 by means of the screws 175. Thus mounted, the switches 222 and 224 present their respective actuating plungers 228 and 230 for abutment with the Vscrews 214 and 216, respectively. The arrangement is clearly such that rocking movement of the actuator arm assembly 204, along with appropriate adjustment of the screws 214 and 216, is eilective to actuate the switches 222 and 224. The invention contemplates that the individual screws 214 and 216 be adjusted so that with the assembly 204 in the position illustrated by the condition of Figure 16, wherein the point 212 rests upon the floor 168, neither of the switches 222 or 224 will be actuated. When, however, the condition illustrated in Figure 17 exists, wherein the point 212 rests upon the floor 164, the assembly 204 will be pivoted to a position wherein the switch 222 is actuated. Finally, with the condition of Figure 18 established, wherein the point 212 rests upon the uppermost surface of the cam plate 152, the assembly 204 is pivoted to a position wherein both the switches 222 and 224 are actuated. From the foregoing description, it is clear that the different conditions of Figures 16, 17 and 18 are brought about by movement of the cam plate 152 relative to the base plate 146, and, further, that such movement is induced through engagement of the point 154 of the cam plate 152 with the respective rollers 200 of the selector arms 184 and 186.

As 'previously noted, the drive for the selector cam assembly 70 is through the clutch members 66 and 84. After each excursion, however, the assembly 70 is returned to a home position through the action of a tension spring 232 having one end hooked to one of the setscrews 72 and the other end hooked to the frame member 34. The home position of the selector cam assembly is established by a stop lug 234 having an extended cam portion 236 formed to the shape clearly illustrated in Figure l0. The cam portion 236 is disposed at an elevation such that the head of the cam plate pin 158 will pass freely thereover, but such that the elongated head of the pin 156 will engage the portion 236 and thereby urge the cam plate 152 to that position which establishes the condition illustrated in Figure 16.

A pair of single pole, single throw, normally open start switches 238 and 240 are mounted on the inside of the upturned side 40 of the frame 34 as clearly illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. A sheet of insulating material 242 may.

be provided between the member 34 and these switches. A pair of conventional electrical receptacles 244 and 246 are similarly mounted on the side 42 of the frame member 34.

The start :switches 238 and 240 have actuating plungers 248 and 250, respectively, positioned as best illustrated in Figure 7 so as to engage touch button assemblies 252 and 254, respectively, the latter being mounted on top of the cover plate 50. Figure 1l illustrates the arrangement of these touch button assemblies, and it will be observed that an inverted cup member 256 accommodates a compression spring 258 which biases it away from the cover plate 50. The member 256 is retained by a washer 259 and a screw 268, the latter having its head disposed at least substantially in engagement With the plunger 250. Obviously, any movement of the member 256 either downwardly or to one side will cause the head of the screw 260 to depress the plunger 250 and, hence, to actuate the switch 240. Preferably, the members 256 are provided with indentations 262 which are color coded to correspond respectively with the selector arms 184 and 186.

In addition to the several mechanically actuated switches already mentioned, the mechanism 30 includes `a conventional double pole, single throw electrical relay 264 mounted to the underside of the panel 44 of the frame member 34 as best illustrated in Figure 5. Preferably, a shield 266 is provided for the relay 264.

The interconnection of the electrical elements included in the mechanism 30 may, of course, be variously effected. It is preferred, however, that they emerge as four distinct electrical conductors. The four conductors may be gathered at a convenient point and retained together, as by a clip 268 secured to the bracket member 32 as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 8.

Figure 19 illustrates schematically the electrical circuits incorporated in the mechanism 30, as well as the circuits of a tape dispenser with which the mechanism 30 is adapted to cooperate. A particularly suitable tape dispenser is disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 210,155, tiled February 9, 1951, now Patent No. 2,757,730.

As previously mentioned, the electrical interconnection between the mechanism 3G and its cooperating tape dispenser is desirably through four separate wires. These wires are indicated in Figure 19 by the letters O, W, R and B. It will be understood that whereas these four wires are deemed physical, the remaining leads indicated in Figure 19 are schematic and may take various physical paths.

-To describe iirstaithegtape dispenser circuits shown in Figure.19,;a .double,pole,' single throw toggle switch.270 connected to 1a isuitable source. ofelectrical power, pindi- Catedby the'fgenerator G, is elective toenergize thevmain busgbars 272.and 274: Itis clear from the villustration of Figure l`9 -that the closing of the switch 27.0 will.. energize apilot light ,'Zyand .alsoa heater .circuitzcontaining a heating-coil278. and'a thermostat 280; .ln .addition to energizing these accessories, closing .oftheswitch =270 prepares an..-operating circuit .through aclutchesolenoid 282 having one .endtconnectedtofthe bus bar 274 and having its other.endconnectedthrongh an. appropriate circuitv makingand breaking devicextothei lead 272. The dottedinterconnection ofl the. switch .designated v284 in Figure -19 is :illustrati-.ve` of .thislatter Iconnection. Clearly, actuationV of. the;switch;;284:effectsenergization of the clutch 1solenoid282. which is .inturni effective to'withdraw an armature 286;.connected'to fa vpolefl288 of a single pole, double. throw switch.290. Thisswitch 290 has both itsicontacts connected to the busbar 272,' while its pole 288 isconnectedztoa-.motor1292.' The other side of the motor292 islconnected to the busbar 274.

i Inadding thecircuits ofthe mechanism 30 to the -tape dispenser circuits just described, the switchv 284,Y shown connected in'dotted lines in 4Figure 19, may-be removed, it beingunderstoodthat thisfswitch is representative of a selector of different type thanhere disclosed. Considering now. the .circuits of the selector mechanism- 30, the lead O is connected into the bus bar'272 andhas branch leads to. each of. the start switches-238 and 240, and to each ofthe receptacles 244 and 246. The Wire W is connected into the bus bar 274 at one end and extends to a coil300 ofthe vrelay264, and to aV coil 302 ofthe solenoid 124 which operates the-clutch. mechanism of the device 30. z The-wire R is connected atone end into the interconnected poleldand VmotorA 282, and at its other end to alead. 304 shown schematically to interconnect various electrical elements in the mechanism 38, as will appear. The wire B isconnected between the clutch solenoid l282 and the long lengthv limit switch 224.

Within the selector mechanism 30, the electrical connections include the lead l304. above-mentioned, which eX- tends from the start switch 238 to the short length limit switch 222. -Between these two elements, a branch lead ticonnects the lead 384 with one side of the solenoid coil 124 and also with contacts 306 and 308 of the relay 264. The other side of the limit switch 222 is connected byfa lead 310 to the limitswitch 224, and this lead 310 is also connected by arlead 312 to a contactv 314 of the relay'264. The remaining contact 316 of the relay '264 is connectedl into-a lead 318 which extends from the start switch 240 to the coil of the 4relay 264. Finally, it will be noted that the receptacles 244 and 246 are also connected into the leads'384 and 318, respectively.

i Operation f As has already been mentioned, the control mechanism 30 is particularlywell,adapted to replace the measuring and control unit disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 210,155-, filed February 9, 1951. When thus used, the measuring wheel 140 of the mechanism 30 is disposed in position to cooperate with a feed wheel 320 forming part of a dispensing mechanism which is effective to feed a strip of tape 322 as indicated in dotted outline in each of the Figures 2,' 3 and 5. Clearly, the arrangement isrsuch that .advancement of the tape strip V322 is always `reflected in corresponding rotation of the measuring Wheel 140, since both the tape 322 and the measuring wheel 140 are driven by the feed wheel 320. It may be mentioned also at this point that the feed wheel 320 is connectible intoA driven relationship with the motor 292 upon energization of the clutch solenoid 282. Hence, since energization of the clutch solenoid 282 also serves to close themotorswitch290, it is evident that the tape strip 322'will be advanced and the measuring wheel 140 lwill be caused tozrotate as-long asthe clutch `solenoid-i282 remains energized.

i As noted previously,however, `rotationof the measuring wheel 140 effects a corresponding angular displacement of the selectorV cam assembly 7,0, provided, ofcourse, that the measuring clutchlsolenoidf124 ,is energized so as to engage the clutch member-s 66 and 84. Thus, the angular displacement of theassembly from its position of normal rest is proportional to the length of --tape strip which is dispensed.

T he mechanics of operating the mechanism 30 andan associated tape dispenser therefore involves preselection of any two tape lengths within thecapacity ofthe mechanism 30 and setting the selector arms. 184 and 186 to positions which correspond to the preselectedytape lengths. This is illustrated in Figure 1 wherein-theshort length selector arm 184 is positioned fora tape,` length of 24 inches and the long-length selector arm'186 is positioned for a tape length of 48 inches. The larms 184 and 186 are readily movable when the knob 196 is loose, and are retained firmly in position when the latter is tightened. Then, referring to Figure 19, the closing of the master switch 270 prepares the whole apparatus for the dispensing of either ofthe preselected tapelengths.

lf it be assumed that, with'vthe selector arms 1184 and 186 positioned asabove described, a 24-inch length of tape isdesired, the touch button assembly 252 is operated so as toactuate` the switch 238'and thereby connect the lead 304 with the bus bar 272. Incidentally, it will be noted that this interconnection of the lead 304 with the bus bar 272 canalso be effectedv through the receptacle 244, provided only that a conventional single pole, single throw switch bel connected therewith. Such a switch could obviously take the form of a footoperated switch which would leave the operators hands free for handling the package to be taped. Howevereffected,the interconnection of the lead .304 with the bus bar 272 vcompletes a circuit through the normally closed switch 2,22, the lead 310, the .normally closed switch 224, the lead B, andthe clutch solenoid 282 back to `thebus bar 274. Hence, one result of closing the switch 238, for example, is to energize the solenoid 282 which, as above mentioned, connects the feed wheel 320 to the vmotor 292 and moves the pole 288 so as to close the motor switch 290.

While the closing of the switch 290 serves to complete a circuit through the motor 292, it will be observed that a motor circuit which bypasses the switch 290 has already been established from the bus bar 272, through the lead O, the closed switch 238, the lead 304, the lead R, and the motor. 292 back to the bus bar 274. Inasmuch as the switch 238 is of the momentary contact type, however, this latter circuit will almost immediately be reopened. In the meantime, though, the vswitch 290 will have closed so as not only to maintain a complete motor circuit, but also to establish and maintain a different circuit through the clutch solenoid ,282. This latter circuit extends from the bus bar 272, through the closedl switch 290, the lead R, the lead 304, the normally closed switch 222, the lead 310, the normally closed switch A224, the lead B, and the solenoid 282 back to the bus bar 274. The resultant energization of the solenoid 282 of course maintains the closed condition of the switch 290 and the driving connection ofthe motor 292 with the feed wheel 320. Clearly, the` tape strip 322will be continuously fed until the'clutch solenoid 282 is deenergized.

The original closing of the switch 238, or the equivalent closing of the circuit through. the'receptacle 244, serves also to energize'the measuring clutch solenoid `124. The circuit through this latter element extends from the bus bar 272 through the lead O, the now closed .switch 238, the lead-304,ithe lead 305, the solenoid 124,.and the lead Wback ltothe bus bar 274v. Again', although'the switch 238 will be .immediately reopened', the measuring clutch solenoid f124will be maintained inenergized condition by virtue of*theaforementicnedenergization ofitheilead 304 through the motor switch 290, and the lead R. Inasmuch as this energization of the measuring clutch solenoid 124 eects clutching engagement between the clutch members 66 and 84, the aforementioned cooperative rotation of the feed wheel 320 and the measuring wheel 140 is effective also to displace the measuring cam assembly 70 from its home position.

Eventually, of course, the assembly 70 is displaced until the cam portion 154 of the cam plate 152 engages the roller 200 of the short length selector arm 184, whereupon the cam plate 152 is displaced so as to raise the pin 210 secured to the stem portion 207 of the arm 206 from the position of Figure 16 to that of Figure 17. This, as previously mentioned, causes the short length limit switch 222 to open, which, from Figure 19, causes the clutch solenoid 282 to be deenergized. Thus, the feed wheel stops rotating and with it the measuring wheel 140 and the measuring cam assembly 70. At the same time, the motor switch 290 opens and causes the measuring clutch solenoid 124 to be deenergized so as to release the clutching engagement between the clutch members 66 and 84. This enables the spring 232 to rotate the measuring cam assembly 70 to its home position where the cam plate 152 is returned by the cam 236 to its position as illustrated in Figure 16.

When it is desired to elfect dispensing of the preselected long length of tape, the operator manipulates the touch button assembly 254 so as to actuate the switch 240, or he closes the circuit by means of a foot switch plugged into the receptacle 246. This completes a circuit from the bus bar 272 through the lead O, and hence through the lead 318, the coil 300 of the long length relay 264, and the lead W back to the bus bar 274. The consequent closing of the relay 264 then completes a circuit extending from the lead 318 through the contacts 316 and 306 of the relay 264. From the contact 306, one circuit extends through the lead 305 and the measuring clutch solenoid 124 back to the bus bar 274. Also, the connection of the lead 305 to the lead 304 extends energization through the lead R and the motor 292 back to the bus bar 274. Still further, the energization of the lead 304 is extended through the closed switch 222, the lead 310, the closed switch 224, the lead B, and the clutch solenoid 282 back to the bus bar 27 4. Finally, in addition to these circuits which include the lead 305, it will be noted that the interconnected contacts 308 and 314 are connected through the lead 312 to the lead 310 and are therefore equally effective to energize the solenoids 124 and 282, along with the motor 292.

As before, the switch 240 will normally be immediately released. However, the same holding circuit which was described above maintains the operating elements in ener gized condition. Furthermore, with the arrangement here illustrated, the opening of the short length limit switch 222 will not aifect the continuous feeding and measurement of the tape. When the switch 222 opens, for example, the circuits are maintained from the bus bar 272 through the closed motor switch 290, the lead R, the lead 304 and the lead 305. From the energized lead 305, one circuit extends through the solenoid 124 and the lead W to the bus bar 274, another circuit extends through the closed contacts 306 and 316, through the coil 300 of the relay 264, and through the lead W to the bus bar 274, and another circuit extends through the closed contacts 308 and 314, the leads 312 and 310, the long length limit switch 224, the lead B, and the solenoid 282 to the bus bar 274. When, ultimately, the cam plate 152 engages the roller 200 of the long length selector arm 186, the resulting additional displacement of the plate 152 causes the pin 210 in the end of the actuator arm 206 to be displaced to the position of Figure 18 and the long length limit switch 224 to be opened, thereby breaking the circuit through the clutch solenoid 282 and causing the motor switch 290 to open. As a result of this, the aforementioned circuits through the solenoid 124 and the longlength relay 264 are likewise opened and' the mechanism 30 is oncemore returned to its normal rest condition.

Clearly, there has been described a twin selector for tape dispensers which fullls the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given only by way of illustration and example. It is further to be understood that changes in the form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, or the substitution of equivalent elements, all of'which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, is contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

l. In a tape dispenser comprising electrically driven tape feeding means: means including individual position-` able members for preselecting a plurality of tape lengths for subsequent selective dispensation, means including individual actuating members corresponding to said individual positionable members for selecting particular preselected tape lengths for immediate dispensation and for actuating the electrically driven feeding means, means for measuring a strip of tape while it is being fed, and means cooperable with both the preselecting means and the measuring means for deactuating the electrically driven feeding means, said deactuating means including diiferent circuit breaking means corresponding to each positionable member.

2. In a tape dispenser comprising a tape feed wheel, an electric motor for driving the feed wheel, and solenoid operated clutch means for establishing a driving connection between said motor and said feed wheel: a measuring wheel for driven engagement with a tape strip inV driven engagement with said feed wheel, displaceable means connected with said measuring wheel and adapted to be displaced upon rotation of the measuring wheel, means for preselecting a length of tape to be dispensed, said preselecting means comprising a plurality of positionable elements for engagement by said displaceable means, and electrical circuit means for energizing the clutch solenoid, said circuit means including deactuating switch means operable upon predetermined engagement between said positionable elements and said displaceable means for deenergizing said clutch solenoid.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the switch means comprises at least two switches, and relay means operable to maintain the clutch solenoid energized when a selected one of said switches is operated.

4. The combination of claim 3, wherein the circuit means includes a rst and a second actuating switch, each of said actuating switches being operable to energize the clutch solenoid, said second actuating switch being operable also to energize said relay means for maintaining the clutch solenoid energized,

5. In a control system for a tape dispenser having a motor in circuit with a motor switch, and a solenoid for operating the motor switch: an actuating circuit for energizing the motor switch solenoid, said actuating circuit including a normally open actuating switch and a normally closed limit switch, a holding circuit for maintaining energization of the motor switch solenoid, said holding circuit extending in series through said motor switch and said limit switch, and automatic means for opening said limit switch upon dispensation of a preselected length of tape.

6. The combination of claim 5 with the addition of a second actuating circuit for energizing the motor switch solenoid, said second actuating circuit including a second normally open actuating switch, a second normally closed limit switch, and a second holding circuit for maintaining energization of the motor switch solenoid, said second holding circuit extending through said motor switch and said second limit switch and including a self-holding rei 1 1 layfor `bly-passing: the .first-mentioned. limit fswitch and autcamatic,l means for; :opening said 'second :limit 1 switch upon dispensation of a preselected different length of tape.

. 7. The vcombination ofi claim 6,".whereinf1theuautomatic means for opening said limit switchesfincludes a clutch-engaged mechanism and ameasuringnclutch-solenoid for actuating said clutch-engagedf mechanism, lts'aid measuring 'clutch :solenoid being connected iniparalle withthemotor switchzsolenoid. S. A control-mechanism for use with* av tape dispense having powerl driven means `for qdispensing .tape, 'said mechanism rcomprising :a-lmainfzsupport adapted Yfor attachment to 'said;dispenser .measuringmeansicluding a rotatable measuring wheel mounted on said support' fon rolling engagement with an advancing strip" `of tape as it is dispensed 'from `said dispenser, a limit'switch,;means including agmovable Acar'rr element for actuating said limit switch, electrically,y controlled clutchmeans fortselectively connecting the 4movable ycam element for driven-movement by the measuring rneans,`l said limit switchbeing elective to disconnect the cam yelement from-the: measuring means used to stop the means for dispensing tape, and mechanical means forreturningfthe movable cam element to anormall'rest-position .upon its disconnection from -.the measuring means.

. 9, The mechanism of claim 8, whereinthe means for actuating the limit switch further includes a positionable elementi-for preselecting the movement ofr-thezcarnV element required to actuate the switch, said positionable,-ele ment including a portion engageable by said cam element in actuating the switch. Y

10. VThe mechanism of claim 9, wherein the earn element is shiftable in addition to being displaceable, wherein the engagement of the cam element with the'positionable element is effective to shift the former, and wherein the means for actuating the limit switch further includes a pivoted actuator arm in slidable engagement with the cam element, said cam element having an irregular surface for pivoting said actuator arm upon shift of the cam element.

. 11. The mechanism of claim 10, with the addition of a'second limit switch actuatable by the displaceable cam element upon a diiferent preselected displacement of the cam element, said secondflirnit switch being also in circuit with the solenoid, and a second positionable element for preselecting the displacement of the camelement required to actuate said second -limit switch,-said second positionable element including a second portion engageable by said cam element in actuating said .second switch,-

said :second Aportion being disposed so :asl-to shift thecarnr elementbeyond'the place to-fwhichit is shiftedv by=the first-mentioned portion, the irregular surface of thecam element being such as further 'toy Apivot thel actuator arm upon the additional shift of the cam element.

. 12. A selector. mechanism for a tape dispenser, 'said mechanism comprising a frame, tape length preselecting means including Aa` plurality ofpositionable elements mounted on the frame for preselecting a like plurality of `tape lengths to be dispensed, tape .length measuring means mounted on the frame lfor cooperation with said preselecting means in dispensing V.preselected tape lengths, and control means including electrical conducting. means mounted on the frame andv yconnectible to ay tape dispenser for energizing and 'deenergizing-the latter,:said control means including a different selectively-operable energizing switch forselecting each preselected tape length to be dispensed by the `,tape Vdispenser and a"di1erent deenergizing switch for each energizingswitch, .said energizing switches being effective vto energize the tape dispenser, and said deenergizing switches ,being effective in cooperation with said preselecting means and 'said measuring means to deenergize thetape dispenser.

13. The mechanism of claim 12,.wherein the .control means includes a relay having a, coil-connected for energization through a first, but-not through a', second, energizing switch, said relay yhaving contactsfor maintaining acircuit through a rst deenergizing switch,-said circuit being effective lto by-pass a second kdeenergizing switch.

14. The mechanism ofclaim 13, -whereinthe-measuring means includes clutch means and a solenoid for operating the clutch means, said solenoid being'connected for energization through either -said first or said second energizing switch and'being in parallel with said rst deenergizing switch.

References Cited in the le of this patent i Y UNITED STATES PATENTS 

